A Glimpse Back: Cowes in Days Gone By from My 35mm Slide Collection

There's something incredibly satisfying about diving into a box of old 35mm slides. Each transparency is a tiny window to the past, a frozen moment in time waiting to be rediscovered. Today, I pulled out this fantastic shot of Cowes, and it immediately sparked a wave of nostalgia and curiosity.

This image captures the quintessential charm of Cowes, a town synonymous with sailing and the Isle of Wight. Looking at the serene harbour, with its distinctive buildings lining the waterfront and the gentle bobbing of boats, you can almost hear the gulls and feel the sea breeze.

Let's take a closer look at what we can see. The architecture along the High Street is classic Cowes, a mix of historic buildings that have witnessed countless regattas and maritime events. The calm water reflects the clear blue sky, suggesting a beautiful, probably summer, day. The boats, from small dinghies to what look like larger yachts further out, reinforce the town's identity as a sailing hub.

Dating the Image: A Little Detective Work

One of the most fun parts of revisiting old slides is trying to pinpoint when they were taken. While I don't have an exact date noted for this particular slide, there are a few clues that can help us narrow it down.

Firstly, the overall feel of the photograph – the colours, the quality of the film, and the general appearance of the boats and buildings – strongly suggests a 1970s or early 1980s timeframe. The style of some of the smaller boats and the lack of overtly modern marina infrastructure point towards this era. There's a wonderful, unhurried quality to the scene that feels characteristic of those decades before widespread digital photography.

Specific details that might help include:

• The design of the pontoons and walkways.

• The types of cars (though none are clearly visible, their absence is also a clue!)

• Any particular signage on the buildings, though these aren't entirely clear in this view.

This photograph is more than just a picture of a place; it's a snapshot of an era. It reminds me of leisurely days spent exploring the British coast, a time when film cameras were the norm, and every click was a carefully considered moment. I'm so glad these slides have preserved such beautiful memories.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

Bradford Interchange: A Journey Through Concrete, Culture, and Connectivity

10th December 2022: A cold, crisp Saturday, immortalized through the lens of a Nikon D3300. These images of Bradford Interchange capture a moment in time at a structure that is far more than just a place to catch a train; it is a monument to post-war ambition, a current canvas for public art, and a focal point for the city's future.

Let's explore the railway side of Bradford Interchange—a station that encapsulates the city's unique history and its exciting preparations for Bradford UK City of Culture 2025.

---

The Architecture: A 'Showpiece of European Design'

Bradford Interchange, in its current form, opened in the early 1970s, integrating the city’s rail and bus services into a single, multi-level hub. The original design, dating back to 1962, was boldly modernist and, at the time of its opening, was hailed as a "showpiece of European design."

What makes it unique is its layout: the concourse is on the ground floor, while both the bus and train platforms are elevated to the first floor. This vertical separation, accessed via escalators and a ramp, defined the building's robust and often unadorned concrete structure—an exemplar of a certain school of 20th-century design.

These photos, taken in late 2022, likely capture the station as major revitalisation work was beginning to ramp up. The station has recently undergone a multi-million-pound transformation, particularly on the lower concourse and the rail station access ramp, as part of the 'Transforming Cities Fund' and in preparation for the City of Culture 2025. This has introduced:

• Public Art: New, super-scale, multi-surface artworks, such as the "BD Colours" series, have been integrated, bringing vibrant colour and a fresh, welcoming aesthetic to the concrete environment. This includes new art along the 100-meter-long ramp and underpass, transforming the arrival experience into an enhanced gateway to the city.

• Enhanced Gateway: New lighting, refreshed flooring, and improved accessibility, including resurfaced ramps and handrails, are softening the hard lines of the original architecture and creating a more inviting public space.

From Exchange to Interchange: A Century of History

The station you see today is actually the second major railway terminus on this site.

1. Bradford Exchange (1850 - 1973): The original station, opened in 1850, was an altogether grander affair. It was completely rebuilt in 1880 with a massive structure featuring ten bay platforms covered by two immense wrought-iron arched roofs. In its 1920s heyday, it was the city's mainline hub, connecting Bradford with routes to London King's Cross and across the Pennines. Sadly, the Beeching Axe closures decimated many of these lines, and the large station was deemed surplus to requirements. It was demolished in the early 1970s and is now the site of the Law Courts.

2. Bradford Interchange (1973 - Present): The new, more compact, and re-sited station opened in 1973 with four platforms. It was later formally renamed 'Bradford Interchange' in 1983 to officially brand its combined function.

An Interesting Fact: The Reversing Problem

The current Bradford Interchange railway station is a terminus. This means it is the end of the line, and any train continuing on the line (for instance, the services to Leeds or Halifax) must reverse out of the station to proceed. This operation causes a considerable time penalty (historically timed at around six minutes) and creates operational complexity that limits rail capacity and causes knock-on delays across the Trans Pennine route.

A New Chapter: The Future of Rail in Bradford

Looking ahead, the future of the Interchange—and Bradford's entire rail network—is set for a truly transformative change.

The city is currently making a strong case for a "Bradford Rail Programme" which involves two major components that will reshape transport for generations:

1. A New City Centre Rail Station: The proposal calls for a complete replacement of the existing station with a new, larger facility. This is considered essential to deliver the full economic and connectivity benefits of the major Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) scheme.

2. A Through Line: Crucially, this plan aims to deliver a through line, which would allow trains to pass through the city without reversing. This single change would radically improve journey times (slashing them to Leeds, Huddersfield, and Manchester) and increase capacity, finally turning Bradford into a true link in the regional and national network, rather than a terminus.

In the short term, investment continues, particularly in improving the rail gateway as a long-term solution for the co-located bus station is found. This commitment ensures that even as the city prepares for a new future, the existing station will provide a pleasant and attractive welcome for all passengers and visitors to the UK's City of Culture 2025.

I took these pictures on the 10th December 2022 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Along the River Calder: Exploring the Natural Heart of Copley, West Yorkshire

Hidden between the rolling Pennine hills and the industrial echoes of West Yorkshire lies Copley, a quiet village that sits gracefully on the banks of the River Calder. It’s a place where history and nature blend seamlessly — where the hum of the river tells stories older than the mills that once lined its shores.

The photographs captured here, taken on a crisp autumn day with a Nikon D3300, reveal the enduring beauty of this landscape — from tranquil woodland paths to the whispering flow of the Calder itself.

---

The River Calder: A Flowing Thread Through Time

The River Calder has long been the lifeblood of this part of Yorkshire. Rising in the moorlands above Todmorden, it winds through the Calder Valley, shaping towns like Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge, and Elland before merging with the Aire near Castleford.

At Copley, the Calder feels more intimate — a working river that still breathes life into its surroundings. The calm flow is occasionally broken by weirs and gentle rapids, the water folding softly over a man-made lip, framed by overhanging willows and weathered stone.

Here, it’s easy to imagine the centuries of industry and resilience tied to this river — once powering textile mills, now nurturing wildlife and quiet reflection.

---

Woodland Walks and Hidden Corners

Venture a little further from the riverbank and Copley reveals another side of its charm: its woodlands.

In the dappled light of late afternoon, the forest floor becomes a patchwork of ochre leaves and deep greens. Paths twist and wind through the trees, occasionally opening onto sunlit clearings where moss and ivy have reclaimed forgotten stones. The smell of damp earth and river air lingers — a sensory reminder of West Yorkshire’s living landscape.

These woods are not untouched wilderness; they are semi-ancient, shaped by centuries of local life. Yet they feel timeless. Birds dart through the canopy, and the rustle of small animals animates the undergrowth. It’s the kind of place that rewards quiet walkers and patient photographers alike.

---

The Weeping Willow: A Sentinel of Serenity

One of Copley’s most striking natural features stands near the riverside — a magnificent weeping willow, its trailing branches brushing the ground like a green curtain. Beneath its canopy, the world seems to slow. The willow has long been a symbol of renewal and endurance, its roots reaching deep into the soft riverside soil.

Captured beneath a sky of broken clouds, this tree becomes a focal point of stillness — a reminder of how nature flourishes even in the shadow of history.

---

Glimpses of Heritage: The Tower on the Hill

Look up through the trees from the open meadows, and you might spot the Wainhouse Tower, standing proudly on the opposite hillside.

Originally built in the 19th century as an industrial chimney (and later repurposed as an ornate folly), it’s one of Calderdale’s most recognisable landmarks. From Copley’s fields, it rises above the tree line like a sentinel of the valley — a connection between the industrial heritage and the natural beauty that defines this region.

---

A River Path for the Soul

Walking the riverside path at Copley feels like tracing a living history — each bend in the river, each cluster of trees, each ripple in the current tells a story.

You can follow the path as it winds alongside the water, past ducks paddling in the shallows and the occasional heron standing motionless on a sandbank. On quiet mornings, the air is filled only with birdsong and the gentle murmur of the Calder.

In these moments, Copley reveals itself as more than a village — it’s a microcosm of the Yorkshire landscape: green, enduring, and deeply rooted in the rhythms of water and time.

---

Why Copley Captivates

Copley might not make the headlines like its neighbouring towns, but for those who take the time to explore, it offers something far richer — authenticity.

It’s a place that reminds you that beauty doesn’t always need grandeur. Sometimes, it’s found in the glint of sunlight on moving water, in the hush of the woods, or in the silhouette of a distant tower framed by trees.

For photographers, writers, and wanderers alike, the banks of the River Calder at Copley are a reminder that West Yorkshire’s quiet corners still hold endless inspiration — places where the past whispers, the river flows, and nature writes its own story.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

The Timeless Flow of History: Lock 2 on the Rochdale Canal, Sowerby Bridge

Captured on a bright August afternoon in 2017, this image of Lock 2 on the Rochdale Canal at Sowerby Bridge perfectly encapsulates the enduring charm of West Yorkshire’s waterways. With its calm reflective surface, stone-built lock walls, and the unmistakable industrial architecture of the Calder Valley, the scene tells a story of both engineering brilliance and local heritage.

A Brief History of the Rochdale Canal

The Rochdale Canal is one of the most historic and ambitious canal routes in Britain. Completed in 1804, it was the first trans-Pennine canal to be built without the use of tunnels — instead, it climbs and descends an incredible 91 locks over its 32-mile course between Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire and Manchester in Greater Manchester.

Designed to carry raw materials and manufactured goods across the Pennines, the canal became a crucial artery during the height of the Industrial Revolution. Coal, wool, and textiles once floated through these locks, connecting the mills of Yorkshire with the markets of Lancashire.

However, as the age of steam and railways took hold, canal traffic declined, and by the mid-20th century the Rochdale Canal had fallen into disrepair. Many sections became derelict — including parts around Sowerby Bridge. It wasn’t until 2002, after years of restoration led by volunteers, local councils, and the Rochdale Canal Trust, that the canal was fully reopened for navigation.

Sowerby Bridge: Where the Canal Journey Begins

Sowerby Bridge is the eastern gateway to the Rochdale Canal and a town steeped in the character of Yorkshire’s industrial past. Here, the canal meets the Calder and Hebble Navigation, forming a vital junction that once buzzed with barge traffic and warehouse activity.

Lock 2, the subject of this photograph, sits just west of the basin, where narrowboats now line the moorings and old warehouses have found new life as pubs, cafes, and creative spaces. The surrounding buildings — sturdy and golden with local sandstone — are typical of 19th-century Yorkshire architecture. Above them, the tower of a local church rises against the skyline, while the canal itself continues its journey westward through lush valleys and moorland landscapes.

Engineering and Aesthetics

Lock 2 represents the ingenuity of Georgian engineering. Each lock chamber is constructed from dressed stone and fitted with heavy wooden gates, balanced by cast-iron paddles and mechanisms designed to control the water flow with precision. The craftsmanship is remarkable — built to last, yet still functioning over two centuries later.

In this 2017 photograph, the lock’s water cascades gently through the gates, a small but constant reminder of the living heritage that defines these waterways. The balance of natural and manmade beauty — sunlight on the rippling water, greenery framing the scene, the solid geometry of the lock — is what makes canal photography so compelling.

The Photographer’s Eye

Taken with a Nikon D3300, this image captures both texture and tone with clarity and warmth. The focal point — the lock gates and waterfall — draws the eye naturally, framed by the curving canal edge and the soft greens of the surrounding vegetation. The distant stone church and apartment blocks add a subtle contrast between history and modernity, reminding us that the canal continues to flow through a living, evolving landscape.

The date — 13 August 2017 — places the image in late summer, when the water glistens under strong sunlight and the foliage along the towpath is at its fullest. It’s a time when the canal is most alive with walkers, cyclists, and boaters, all sharing in its enduring tranquillity.

The Canal Today

Today, the Rochdale Canal is celebrated not for its industrial might, but for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. Managed by the Canal & River Trust, it’s a haven for wildlife and a favourite route for leisure boating and towpath exploration. Sowerby Bridge itself has become a hub for canal tourism — with boat hire companies, heritage walks, and waterside pubs like The Navigation Inn and The Works bringing visitors to the area year-round.

Lock 2 stands as both a functional piece of waterway infrastructure and a monument to the generations who built, used, and later restored the canal. It embodies Yorkshire’s resilience — practical, proud, and quietly picturesque.

---

Final Thoughts

To stand at Lock 2 in Sowerby Bridge is to witness the meeting of nature, industry, and history — a place where the hum of water replaces the clatter of mill machinery, and where centuries of engineering still serve their purpose in silence.

This photograph doesn’t just capture a canal lock — it captures the soul of a landscape that continues to move, reflect, and endure.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Stonehenge, July 1977: A Look Back Through the Lens

Stonehenge. The name conjures up mystery, ancient rites, and the sheer scale of human ambition. But beyond the geology and archaeology, a photograph of the site often captures something else: a particular moment in time.

I recently rediscovered this black-and-white image—a 35mm slide taken in July 1977—and it instantly transported me back to a pivotal era for this iconic monument.

The Monumental and the Mundane

What immediately strikes me about this photograph is the contrast. The Neolithic sarsens and bluestones dominate the frame, dark and imposing against the bright sky, emphasizing their enormous presence. It’s a shot that speaks to the sheer mass and mystery of the structure.

But look closer, and you see the details that anchor it firmly in the late 1970s:

• Proximity to the Stones: Notice the two figures nestled right between the towering uprights. Today, visitors view the stones from behind a rope barrier, kept at a respectful distance to prevent damage. This photograph is a fantastic reminder of a time when people could walk directly among the stones, touching the cold, ancient surfaces.

• A Snapshot of Visitors: The figures—perhaps a family or a couple—are dressed in the casual attire of the era. Their small scale relative to the trilithons highlights the truly monumental nature of the site. They are just a fleeting moment in the thousands of years of history that the stones have witnessed.

• The Black-and-White Aesthetic: The photograph’s monochrome nature, typical of many 35mm slides processed into prints, adds a dramatic, almost brooding atmosphere. It accentuates the texture of the stone and strips away the distractions of colour, focusing the viewer purely on form, shadow, and scale.

Stonehenge in 1977: A Changing Landscape

The late 1970s marked a transition for Stonehenge. While it was still relatively accessible, the number of visitors was rapidly increasing, leading to necessary changes in management and conservation that would be implemented over the coming decades.

This image captures the end of an era—a time just before the site became fully roped off, a time when the stones felt a little more personal, a little more accessible, and perhaps a little more susceptible to being touched and experienced up close.

Holding this slide, I'm reminded that Stonehenge isn't just an ancient ruin; it's a living, breathing landmark that constantly changes how we interact with it.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore MY work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

Discovering Holmes Park, Luddendenfoot: A Haven of History and Greenery

Nestled in the heart of the Calder Valley, Holmes Park in Luddendenfoot is one of those quiet treasures that beautifully blend history, community spirit, and natural charm. On a clear day, the park is alive with the sounds of children playing, birdsong from the surrounding woodland, and the gentle hum of the nearby River Calder. It’s a place that reflects the enduring character of this proud Yorkshire village.

A Green Escape

Holmes Park offers a peaceful retreat with its wide grassy areas, mature trees, and well-kept paths that invite you to stroll and take in the scenery. The playground and sheltered picnic spots make it a welcoming space for families, while the surrounding hills frame the park with an unmistakably Calderdale feel.

At its heart stands a small pavilion, its moss-covered roof a reminder of time’s passage. It provides a shaded place to rest and watch the life of the park unfold. Whether you’re walking the dog, enjoying a morning jog, or simply pausing to admire the landscape, Holmes Park has a timeless quality that captures the essence of village life.

The Crossfield Fountain

One of the park’s most distinctive landmarks is the Crossfield Fountain, a small but elegant stone structure standing on a raised plinth. It bears the name J.W. Crossfield, dated July 1914 — a poignant reminder of an era when the world was on the brink of great change.

The fountain’s design, with its four pillars and domed top, is classically inspired, and although it no longer flows with water, it remains a symbol of the community’s heritage. It was likely erected as a public drinking fountain or commemorative feature, offering refreshment and reflection to generations past and present.

Luddendenfoot War Memorial

A short walk deeper into the park brings you to a more solemn but deeply important feature — the Luddendenfoot War Memorial. This dignified stone obelisk, surrounded by plaques set into a low wall, honours the brave men of Luddendenfoot who gave their lives in service during the First and Second World Wars.

The inscription reads:

“In memory of Luddenden Foot men who gave their lives for their country in the Great War 1914–1918, and in later wars for peace and freedom.”

Each November, this spot becomes the focus of remembrance as wreaths of red poppies are laid at its base — a moving tribute that connects the present generation with those who came before. The memorial’s setting within the tranquil park makes it a fitting place for contemplation and gratitude.

A Place of Community and Continuity

Holmes Park is more than just a green space — it’s a living piece of Luddendenfoot’s story. From the laughter in the playground to the respectful silence around the war memorial, every corner tells part of the tale of this close-knit Yorkshire community.

As the seasons change, the park transforms — spring brings fresh growth and colour, summer offers light and shade, autumn cloaks the trees in gold, and even in winter, the quiet beauty remains.

For locals and visitors alike, Holmes Park, Luddendenfoot stands as a reminder that heritage and everyday life can coexist gracefully — a place to remember, to relax, and to reconnect.

The pictures were taken on the 27th February 2019 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Sowerby Bridge Railway Station: A Gateway Through Time

Tucked into the heart of the Calder Valley, Sowerby Bridge railway station is more than just a stop along the line—it’s a beautifully preserved piece of industrial history that continues to serve the community today. Opened in 1876 by the Manchester and Leeds Railway, to replace the earlier 1840 station, this station has witnessed the evolution of West Yorkshire’s transport network, from the age of steam to the modern Northern Rail services that still call here daily.

The Jubilee Refreshment Rooms – A Taste of the Past

The first image captures the charming Jubilee Refreshment Rooms, a rare surviving example of Victorian railway hospitality. Originally opened in the late 19th century, the building was once a bustling rest stop for travellers and railway staff alike, offering tea, coffee, and light refreshments to those journeying through the valley.

After years of neglect and near demolition, the structure was lovingly restored and reopened in 2009, reviving its role as a welcoming hub for passengers. Today, the building continues to echo with history—its brickwork, chimney stacks, and sash windows all whispering stories from the golden age of rail.

The Support Arches – Engineering with Purpose

The second image highlights a series of impressive brick support arches underneath the station, remnants of the engineering ingenuity that defined the railway age. These arches form part of the elevated sections that once supported sidings and goods facilities, essential for handling coal, textiles, and other cargo central to Sowerby Bridge’s industrial economy.

Beyond their functional strength, the arches demonstrate the Victorian engineers’ mastery of form and utility. Their curved design distributes weight evenly, allowing heavy locomotives and loads to pass safely above while enduring the test of time and weather. In recent decades, they’ve stood as silent witnesses to change—part of the enduring industrial landscape that defines this corner of Yorkshire.

A Living Heritage

Sowerby Bridge station remains a working reminder of Britain’s railway heritage. With the restored refreshment rooms, the solid arches, and the echoes of steam still lingering in the air, it connects past and present in a way few modern stations can. Whether you’re arriving for a scenic walk along the Calder or simply watching the trains pass by, there’s a sense that history is always just around the corner.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Echoes of Faith and Stone: Photographing Dewsbury Minster

April sunlight filtered gently through the skeletal branches of spring trees, scattering dappled patterns across the worn gravestones and honeyed stone walls of Dewsbury Minster. The air was still, the churchyard hushed except for the faint hum of distant traffic — a reminder that this ancient place, once a spiritual heart of Yorkshire, now rests quietly amid the rhythms of modern life.

A Lens on a Thousand Years of Worship

Photographing Dewsbury Minster feels like walking through a dialogue between centuries. The Minster, officially known as The Minster Church of All Saints, Dewsbury, stands on ground sanctified long before the Norman Conquest. Tradition holds that Paulinus of York, one of the early missionaries who brought Christianity to northern England, founded a church here in AD 627. That makes Dewsbury one of the earliest centres of Christian worship in West Yorkshire — a place where history is literally layered into the stone.

Through the viewfinder, the Minster’s Norman tower and Gothic windows speak of evolving craftsmanship — a blend of Saxon spirit and medieval devotion. Its sandstone blocks glow warmly in the afternoon light, each carrying the weight of centuries of prayer, conflict, and renewal.

The Soul of the Building

Stepping inside, the Minster reveals its quiet grandeur. The arched arcades, carved columns, and stained glass windows create a dance of colour and shadow that shifts with every passing hour. One photograph captures the Great East Window, a masterpiece of Victorian glasswork, depicting the crucifixion surrounded by saints and angels — a kaleidoscope of devotion frozen in light.

The interior today feels welcoming and alive, with curved rows of wooden chairs replacing traditional pews, their purple cushions adding a modern warmth against the ancient stone. The altar, framed by the great arch of the chancel, glows under soft illumination — a focal point both for worship and artistic contemplation.

The Curfew Bell of Dewsbury

Perhaps Dewsbury’s most famous tradition is the “Curfew Bell”, also known as the “Devil’s Knell.” Each Christmas Eve, the church bell tolls once for every year since the birth of Christ — a haunting and beautiful ritual said to date back to the 15th century. The custom was established by Sir Thomas de Soothill, who donated the bell in penance for a violent crime, and it continues to this day, linking the modern town to its medieval conscience.

Stories in Stone

Wandering the churchyard, I was drawn to the worn gravestones and memorials that circle the Minster like sentinels of memory. The Kohima Epitaph memorial, inspired by the words from the Battle of Kohima (“When you go home, tell them of us and say…”), stands humbly on the cobblestones — a small yet deeply moving tribute to sacrifice.

Nearby, a carved statue of St Philip watches over visitors inside the Minster, his serene face illuminated by a shaft of natural light — a moment that felt quietly timeless through the lens.

Reflections Through the Camera

Photographing Dewsbury Minster in April 2015 with a modest Polaroid iS2132 camera, I was reminded how photography can bridge time. The church’s textured stone, filtered sunlight, and intricate glass challenged the lens to balance detail and atmosphere. In every image, the Minster seems to breathe — ancient yet alive, sacred yet rooted in the everyday life of Dewsbury.

A Living Heritage

Today, Dewsbury Minster stands not only as a house of worship but as a community hub — hosting concerts, art exhibitions, and social initiatives that reflect its enduring mission of faith and fellowship. To photograph it is to witness continuity: the sacred and the ordinary woven together, much as they have been here for nearly 1,400 years.

I took these pictures with a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera in April 2015, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Kohima Epitaph Memorial.

It consists of a cylindrical stone column resting upon a large six-pointed star set into the cobblestone path of the churchyard. The column is engraved with the famous lines from the Battle of Kohima: "When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today." This humble yet deeply moving tribute commemorates the sacrifices made by the Commonwealth forces during the Battle of Kohima in World War II, connecting the ancient Yorkshire church to a moment of modern global conflict and remembrance.

The statue of St Philip is one of a series of carved wooden figures that form a magnificent Reredos (an ornamental screen or partition covering the wall at the back of an altar). This Reredos, dating from 1912, was designed by Temple Moore and carved by Bridgeman of Lichfield.

Originally installed behind the high altar of the Minster, it is now situated in the church's Narthex (entrance area) and depicts Christ surrounded by the Twelve Apostles, with each saint holding the symbol associated with their martyrdom or life story. The figure represents St Philip the Apostle, and he is typically identified by a long staff topped with a small cross or by a basket or loaves (referencing his role in the Feeding of the Five Thousand), serving as a beautiful example of early 20th-century religious art within the historic Minster.

• Analysis

  Query successful
• Google Search

  Query successful

The image displays the Great East Window of Dewsbury Minster, a magnificent example of Victorian stained glass. The window was made by Meyer of Munich and was erected in 1884. It is noted for its impressive scale and design, standing as a prominent piece of the Minster's collection of stained glass. While the Minster also houses some beautiful medieval stained glass which is mainly 14th century, the Great East Window itself is a later, Victorian addition.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.